FIJIGeneration Conservation Excursion, June 2013

Join Generation Conservation and visit the the tropical island nation of Fiji. Explore the stunningly pristine Sovi Basin, contribute to innovative coral gardening projects, and experience the rich and ancient culture of the Fijian people.

Spread across more than 300 islands in the South Pacific, Fiji is home to some of the world’s most unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Conservation International’s work in Fiji focuses on Viti Levu, the country's largest island and home to 70 percent of Fiji's population. Volcanic in nature and about the size of the Big Island of Hawaii, it is divided in half by a north-south mountain. The prevailing southeast tradewinds result in a "wet" eastern side and a "dry" western side. Much of the eastern side is still covered in forest while the dry west is mostly arid grassland used for sugarcane production or grazing.

Conservation International’s activities are focused establishing the Viti Levu Conservation Corridor – a network of linked terrestrial protected areas and locally managed marine areas. The crown jewel of this conservation effort is the Sovi Basin, Fiji’s most important biological and landscape heritage. The distinctive shape of the Basin creates a landform unique both in Fiji and in the Pacific, and is filled with Fiji’s largest undisturbed lowland forest.

Photo: Coral reef in Viti Levu, Fiji © William Crosse

Itinerary - June 8 to 16, 2013

• June 8: Group arrives in Nadi in the morning. Day trip to Mamanuca Group and Monariki. Visit Musket Cove and Liku Liku. Stay on Natadola Beach at the Intercontinental Hotel.

• June 9: Singatoka sand dunes surfing and beach visit in morning followed by coral gardening on the coral coast. Stay at The Pearl in Pacific Harbor.

• June 10: Visit local market in Suva. Beqa Island day trip for fire dancing show. Stay at The Pearl in Pacific Harbor.

• June 11: Drive to Narara village for tree-planting and horseback riding. Stay at Wananavu Resort.• June 12: 4x4 transport to Nadakuni village near Sovi Basin. Traditional welcome ceremony and

dinner. Spend the night with families in Nadakuni.• June 13: Wake up early, hike over the ridge into Sovi Basin for traditional fishing and hunting.

Return to Nadakuni via bamboo raft and transfer to The Pearl in Pacific Harbor. • June 14-16: Flexible time – group members may return home or plan independent travel in Fiji.

Cost

Estimated cost is $1,600 per person which includes lodging, ground transportation, group events, breakfasts, and a nominal contribution to support the group’s volunteer activities in Fiji. Airfare and independent travel from June 14 to 16 are not included in this amount. Once the group is confirmed, further details on cost and itinerary will be provided to interested individuals. Please note that this trip is limited to 12 people on a first come, first serve basis.

Departing Flight: Air Pacific - Flight 811 leaves LAX at 11:30pm on June 6 and arrives in NAN at 5:10am on June 8. Return Flight: Air Pacific - Flight 810 leaves NAN at 10:00pm on June 16 and arrives in LAX at 1:20pm on June 16.

NOTE: Generation Conservation and Conservation International do not markup or add any additional costs for Generation Conservation trips. They are provided at the exact cost of the tour operator and you will pay the tour operator directly and arrange for your own flights.

Additional Information

Generation Conservation websiteConservation International Fiji websiteIntercontinental at Natadola BeachThe Pearl in Pacific HarbourWananavu Resort

Photos: Aerial view, Fiji © Olivier Langrand (left); Fiji landscape © Conservation International/photo by Peter Stonier (right)